Saturday, July 16, 2005

Family Violence Prevention in Lynchburg

Out of a 135 localities in Virginia, Lynchburg has the 16 highest rate of victims of abuse and neglect for ages of 0 to 17 according to the Virginia Social Services Department (pdf Document). The rate per thousand for Lynchburg is 8.4, that compares to the overall Virginia average of of 3.8 per thousand.

It is important to note that these statistics may reflect that our Social Services here in Lynchburg may be doing a better job than most areas. But however you interpret the numbers, you have to believe we have a problem. And the relationship between violence in the home, and how youth learn to interact with others in our community can't be ignored.

Recently, CASA of Central Virginia has received an award from the Family and Children's Trust Fund(pdf document) for its collaboration of public and private agencies in Campbell County and Lynchburg to provide post-court supervision support for families at risk of violence. We support their efforts.

If you know of child abuse or neglect we encourage you to call the Virginia hot line on abuse at 1-800-552-7096 or notify Lynchburg Division of Social Services at (434) 847-1551 You can be assured your identity will not be revealed.